School years › Scores and school papers, explained
State test scores explained for parents
Federal law requires every state to test reading and math every year in grades 3 to 8 and once in high school, and science once in grades 3–5, 6–9 and 10–12. Each state picks its own test, its own achievement levels and its own passing lines, so a score means what your state says it means.
Checked October 29, 2026 against the sources listed at the end.
What the law requires
The Every Student Succeeds Act, the main federal school law, sets out the testing every state must do:
- Reading or language arts and math: every year in grades 3 through 8, and at least once in grades 9 through 12.
- Science: at least once in grades 3 through 5, once in grades 6 through 9, and once in grades 10 through 12.
- The same tests for everyone: the state's tests must be the same ones used for all public school students in the state.
Your state may test more than this (some test social studies, or more grades), but not less.
Achievement levels
The law requires each state's standards to have at least three levels of achievement. States name and set their own, which is why the words differ: one state's report may say Exceeds, Meets, Approaching and Does Not Meet; another's may say Advanced, Proficient, Basic and Below Basic.
Each state also sets the scores that separate the levels. So "proficient" in one state doesn't mean the same as in another, and you can't compare scores across states. Your child's score report should explain your state's levels.
Your child's score report
The law requires states to produce an individual report for each student, given to parents, teachers and school leaders as soon as practicable after the test, in an understandable format and, as far as practicable, in a language parents can understand.
- Find the level first: it's the main message.
- Look at the scale score and where it sits within the level: near the top of a level is different from just inside it.
- If there are sub-scores (for example, reading literature and reading information), they show relative strengths, though each rests on fewer questions.
- Compare with last year's report if you have it: is your child moving up within or between levels?
School and state results
States must also publish an annual state report card, on the state education agency's website, showing how students did at each achievement level. It's where you can see your school's and district's results. Search for your state's education department and "report card".
What to ask the teacher
- Does this score match what you see in class this year?
- My child took the test last spring. What has changed since then?
- Which areas should we work on, and which are strengths?
- Does the school use another test during the year (such as MAP Growth or i-Ready) that gives more recent information?
One score is one morning's work. Children have good and bad test days, so a single number matters less than the pattern across a year and how it matches what the teacher sees in class.
Questions parents ask
Do state tests affect my child's grades or promotion?
That depends on your state and district. Federal law requires the tests; how results are used for students is decided by states and districts, so ask your school.
Can I see the questions my child got wrong?
Policies vary by state; many states release sample questions but not each student's test. Your state education department's website explains what's available.
Practice at your child's level
Peabody, our site for children, has free stories and learning games written at each reading level and math grade, with no sign-up. Start where your child is comfortable, not where the calendar says.
- Start reading on Peabody Peabody asks your child's grade, starts the stories a little under it, and moves the level as books run easy or hard.
- Reading levels and math by grade Where each grade starts, and a page for every level and math path.
- The free library Stories sorted by level, to read on screen.
- Decodable readers Stories built from the sounds a beginning reader has been taught.
Where this comes from
Written for parents, to use alongside your child's teacher, not instead of them. General information only, not professional, medical or legal advice. Checked on October 29, 2026. Something wrong or out of date? Write to hello@peabody.kids.